Northern Europe / Scandinavia, British Isles
Mull Odyssey Cruise: Staffa, Iona and the Ross of Mull
The Isle of Mull is the heart of the Inner Hebrides and this is a magical Scottish islands cruise, which makes a circumnavigation of the island to visit the famous islands of Staffa and Iona.
Iona, birthplace of western Christianity was where, in AD563, Saint Columba founded an abbey when he traveled over from Ireland. Iona has been for centuries a place of Christian pilgrimage and here the early abbey monks created the wonderful Book of Kells. Saint Columba and 48 Scottish kings, including Macbeth, as well as some Irish and French kings, are buried on Iona. One can walk in peaceful solitude along the island paths away from the Abbey.
Staffa has one of the world's most spectacular natural marvels in Fingal's cave - one of the islands many sea caves. The soaring beauty of the island and the cave's towering, six-sided basalt columns are famously captured by Mendelssohn's Hebridean Overture.
As we travel around the Isle of Mull we can see incredible wildlife - soaring sea and golden eagles, basking sharks, minke and killer whales, porpoises, dolphins, seabirds and seals. On board our small cruise ships you can do as little or as much as you want. Sit back and enjoy the trip as you travel through the island's picturesque Sounds and sea lochs; view the spectacular mountains of Mull including mighty Ben More; marvel at the headland lighthouses and castles and get involved in working the ex-tall ship St Hilda or our wee ship Seahorse II – it is all up to you.
We are pleased to offer to our passengers a complementary visit to Iona Abbey.
This cruise can be a six or eight night itinerary depending on the dates you choose to travel.
Iona, birthplace of western Christianity was where, in AD563, Saint Columba founded an abbey when he traveled over from Ireland. Iona has been for centuries a place of Christian pilgrimage and here the early abbey monks created the wonderful Book of Kells. Saint Columba and 48 Scottish kings, including Macbeth, as well as some Irish and French kings, are buried on Iona. One can walk in peaceful solitude along the island paths away from the Abbey.
Staffa has one of the world's most spectacular natural marvels in Fingal's cave - one of the islands many sea caves. The soaring beauty of the island and the cave's towering, six-sided basalt columns are famously captured by Mendelssohn's Hebridean Overture.
As we travel around the Isle of Mull we can see incredible wildlife - soaring sea and golden eagles, basking sharks, minke and killer whales, porpoises, dolphins, seabirds and seals. On board our small cruise ships you can do as little or as much as you want. Sit back and enjoy the trip as you travel through the island's picturesque Sounds and sea lochs; view the spectacular mountains of Mull including mighty Ben More; marvel at the headland lighthouses and castles and get involved in working the ex-tall ship St Hilda or our wee ship Seahorse II – it is all up to you.
We are pleased to offer to our passengers a complementary visit to Iona Abbey.
This cruise can be a six or eight night itinerary depending on the dates you choose to travel.
Some of the places we may visit are:
Oban: Your departure point will be Oban (Dunstaffnage Marina), the gateway to the Hebridean isles. After a short introduction to life on board our small ship we lift anchor and set sail to our first destination.
Tobermory: One of the most picturesque towns in the Hebrides. If you wish, we can make time to visit the local distillery or visit eagles (Mull is the best place in the UK to see eagles).
Soribay Bay, Loch Tuath: Keeping well clear of Caliach Point we head down towards the Treshnish Isles, breeding grounds for seals and puffins, to Loch Tuath. Our destination is a pretty anchorage in Soribay Bay where we see, in the distance, the mountains of Mull dominated by Ben More (963 m) and close-by, across the Loch, is the picturesque Eas Fos waterfall tumbling into the sea.
Lunga, Treshnish Isles: Lunga, one of the Treshnish Isles, is a site of Special Scientific Interest because of the plants which grow there and the wildlife. There are seals and it is especially famous for the breeding colonies of kittiwakes, Manx shearwaters, guillemots, razorbills, storm-petrels and the colony of puffins which, in the breeding season, allow you to approach very close.
Coll and Tiree: The two islands are called the ‘sunshine isles’ because of their unique climate. Tiree is more populated and famous for its miles of clean, white sandy beaches that are renown throughout the world by surfers and wind surfers. In contrast Coll is rugged and mountainous and indented with deep, but sandy coves. The islands are some seven miles off the west coast of Mull and on passage we can see dolphins, Minke whales and basking sharks. If conditions are right we can drop anchor and appreciate the tranquility of its sweeping sandy beaches, the cry of the corncrakes and the gentle pleasure of being 'away from it all'.
Fingal’s Cave, Staffa: It may be difficult to anchor off the island because of the lack of sheltered anchorages but we can sail close to the island to see all of its natural beauty. If time we can head up to Loch Na Keil with its great views of mighty Ben More, to circle round the Island of Eorsa before we head south to the north side of the Ross of Mull. Dolphins and porpoises often follow us into our secluded anchorage in Loch na Laithaich near the little village of Bunessan.
With our new sea kayaks guests can explore the incredible Fingal's cave on the Isle of Staffa!
Please note that your voyage is weather dependent. Weather doesn't just mean good or bad weather. There are many considerations such as tidal gates, wind direction and strength, the strength and direction of currents, overfalls, and fetch.
If you wish to visit a specific place or have a specific experience, such as fly fishing, sea eagle tours, whisky tasting, then please do let your skipper know and he will endeavour to meet your request.
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Single Cabin
£1,500 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the aft part of the vessel, there is a twin cabin and a double cabin (with a 125 cm wide bed). These aft cabins share the bathroom with the two crew. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin
£1,650 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the aft part of the vessel, there is a twin cabin and a double cabin (with a 125 cm wide bed). These aft cabins share the bathroom with the two crew. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Twin / Double Cabin En-suite
£2,280 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the forward part of the vessel, there is a double en-suite, a twin en-suite and single en-suite. All en-suites and the shared bathroom have a washbasin, toilet, and shower. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Single Cabin En-suite
£2,280 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the forward part of the vessel, there is a double en-suite, a twin en-suite and single en-suite. All en-suites and the shared bathroom have a washbasin, toilet, and shower. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
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Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,160 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin adjacent En-suite
£2,160 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin En-suite
£2,400 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
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Book now |
Twin Cabin
£1,400 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin cabin has washbasin. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Twin Cabin En-suite
£1,890 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin en-suite has toilet, washbasin and opening porthole. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin En-suite
£2,275 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Spacious double en-suite has shower, toilet, washbasin and two pretty opening portholes. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
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Single Cabin
£1,950 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
Twin Cabin Semi En-suite
£2,100 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
Double / Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,280 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
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Book now |
Single Cabin
£1,500 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the aft part of the vessel, there is a twin cabin and a double cabin (with a 125 cm wide bed). These aft cabins share the bathroom with the two crew. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin
£1,650 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the aft part of the vessel, there is a twin cabin and a double cabin (with a 125 cm wide bed). These aft cabins share the bathroom with the two crew. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Single Cabin En-suite
£2,280 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the forward part of the vessel, there is a double en-suite, a twin en-suite and single en-suite. All en-suites and the shared bathroom have a washbasin, toilet, and shower. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Twin / Double Cabin En-suite
£2,280 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the forward part of the vessel, there is a double en-suite, a twin en-suite and single en-suite. All en-suites and the shared bathroom have a washbasin, toilet, and shower. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
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Book now |
Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,160 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin adjacent En-suite
£2,160 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin En-suite
£2,400 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
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Book now |
Twin Cabin
£1,400 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin cabin has washbasin. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Twin Cabin En-suite
£1,890 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin en-suite has toilet, washbasin and opening porthole. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin En-suite
£2,275 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Spacious double en-suite has shower, toilet, washbasin and two pretty opening portholes. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
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Book now |
Double Cabin adjacent En-suite
£2,220 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,220 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin En-suite
£2,370 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
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Book now |
Single Cabin
£1,560 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the aft part of the vessel, there is a twin cabin and a double cabin (with a 125 cm wide bed). These aft cabins share the bathroom with the two crew. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin
£1,710 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the aft part of the vessel, there is a twin cabin and a double cabin (with a 125 cm wide bed). These aft cabins share the bathroom with the two crew. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Single Cabin En-suite
£2,370 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the forward part of the vessel, there is a double en-suite, a twin en-suite and single en-suite. All en-suites and the shared bathroom have a washbasin, toilet, and shower. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Twin / Double Cabin En-suite
£2,370 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the forward part of the vessel, there is a double en-suite, a twin en-suite and single en-suite. All en-suites and the shared bathroom have a washbasin, toilet, and shower. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
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Book now |
Twin Cabin
£1,435 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin cabin has washbasin. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Twin Cabin En-suite
£1,925 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin en-suite has toilet, washbasin and opening porthole. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin En-suite
£2,345 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Spacious double en-suite has shower, toilet, washbasin and two pretty opening portholes. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
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Book now |
Twin Cabin
£1,435 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin cabin has washbasin. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Twin Cabin En-suite
£1,925 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin en-suite has toilet, washbasin and opening porthole. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin En-suite
£2,345 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Spacious double en-suite has shower, toilet, washbasin and two pretty opening portholes. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
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Book now |
Single Cabin
£2,040 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
Twin Cabin Semi En-suite
£2,190 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
Double / Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,370 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
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Book now |
Single Cabin
£1,560 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the aft part of the vessel, there is a twin cabin and a double cabin (with a 125 cm wide bed). These aft cabins share the bathroom with the two crew. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin
£1,710 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the aft part of the vessel, there is a twin cabin and a double cabin (with a 125 cm wide bed). These aft cabins share the bathroom with the two crew. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Single Cabin En-suite
£2,370 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the forward part of the vessel, there is a double en-suite, a twin en-suite and single en-suite. All en-suites and the shared bathroom have a washbasin, toilet, and shower. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Twin / Double Cabin En-suite
£2,370 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the forward part of the vessel, there is a double en-suite, a twin en-suite and single en-suite. All en-suites and the shared bathroom have a washbasin, toilet, and shower. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
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Book now |
Double Cabin adjacent En-suite
£2,220 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,220 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin En-suite
£2,370 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
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Book now |
Twin Cabin
£1,435 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin cabin has washbasin. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Twin Cabin En-suite
£1,925 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin en-suite has toilet, washbasin and opening porthole. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin En-suite
£2,345 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Spacious double en-suite has shower, toilet, washbasin and two pretty opening portholes. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
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Book now |
Single Cabin
£1,560 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the aft part of the vessel, there is a twin cabin and a double cabin (with a 125 cm wide bed). These aft cabins share the bathroom with the two crew. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin
£1,710 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the aft part of the vessel, there is a twin cabin and a double cabin (with a 125 cm wide bed). These aft cabins share the bathroom with the two crew. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Single Cabin En-suite
£2,370 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the forward part of the vessel, there is a double en-suite, a twin en-suite and single en-suite. All en-suites and the shared bathroom have a washbasin, toilet, and shower. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Twin / Double Cabin En-suite
£2,370 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable with eight berths for our guests. In the forward part of the vessel, there is a double en-suite, a twin en-suite and single en-suite. All en-suites and the shared bathroom have a washbasin, toilet, and shower. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
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Book now |
Double Cabin adjacent En-suite
£2,220 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,220 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin En-suite
£2,370 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable, with eight berths in four cabins that are situated in the forward part of the vessel. The three double and one twin en-suite cabins, intimate and mellow, are fitted out in traditional varnished hardwood with soft antique light. Two of the cabins are especially spacious and luxurious with granite washbasins and polished brass taps! All the bunks are soft and comfortable and all cabin linen and towels are supplied.
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Book now |
Twin Cabin
£1,435 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin cabin has washbasin. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Twin Cabin En-suite
£1,925 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Twin en-suite has toilet, washbasin and opening porthole. Cabin is close to the toilet and shower rooms which are of a high standard for a yacht. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
Double Cabin En-suite
£2,345 GBP pp
Cabins are warm and comfortable. Spacious double en-suite has shower, toilet, washbasin and two pretty opening portholes. All cabin linen and towels are supplied.
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Book now |
Single Cabin
£2,040 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
Twin Cabin Semi En-suite
£2,190 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
Double / Twin Cabin En-suite
£2,370 GBP pp
All cabins are temperature controlled and with washbasin. All cabin linen and towels are supplied including towelling dressing gowns for the cabins with no en-suite.
Vessel Type: Small Ship
Length: 72 feet / 21.9 meters
Passenger Capacity: 8
Built / refurbished: 1974 / 2020
Gemini Explorer delivers a markedly different small-ship experience: a 1974 Clyde-class cruising lifeboat rebuilt for charter work while retaining the character of her original role. The hull, engines and core structure remain true to the vessel that once served at Clovelly and took part in the 1979 Fastnet storm, but successive refits have added a bright saloon, a modern galley, high bulwarks, a viewing deck and en-suite cabins. The result is a functional, seaworthy platform with clear traces of its RNLI history, upgraded just enough to support comfortable coastal exploration without diluting the vessel’s working-boat identity.
Accommodation is compact but warm, with seven berths arranged between forward en-suite cabins and an aft twin sharing facilities with the crew. Life revolves around the deck saloon for dining and conversation, while the upper viewing deck offers the best vantage point for wildlife and landscape watching. Guests can bring their own gear, make use of the onboard two-person kayak, and settle into an informal routine shaped by a skipper who knows the Hebrides intimately and a chef who keeps meals local and fresh.
Vessel Type: Small Ship
Length: 24.9 metres
Passenger Capacity: 11
Seahorse II is an 82 ft steel-hulled vessel, originally built for the Norwegian fjords and high northern latitudes, combining rugged construction with modern comfort. Powered by a 350 hp Volvo diesel, she reaches speeds up to 11 knots and carries ample fuel and water for extended cruising. Her size allows access to remote islands and lochs of the Inner and Outer Hebrides that larger vessels cannot reach. Outdoor spaces include a high foredeck for wildlife spotting, a spacious aft deck for alfresco dining, and room for personal watercraft, kayaks, or paddleboards, supported by a crane for easy launching.
Accommodation is for up to 11 guests across a mix of double, twin, and single cabins, all with washbasins, and includes a deck saloon for dining and socialising with views of the surrounding wildlife. The three-person crew consists of a skipper knowledgeable about the local waters, a chef preparing fresh, locally sourced meals, and a bosun/crew member providing assistance as needed. Seahorse II delivers an intimate, flexible, and immersive experience for exploring the Hebrides in comfort and style.
Vessel Type: ex-Norwegian Rescue Ship
Length: 75 feet / 22.9 meters
Passenger Capacity: 8
Built/refurbished: 1969/1994
Speideren is a 75 ft ex-Norwegian Rescue Ship, originally built in 1969 for the Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue. Designed to handle the harsh and unpredictable North and Arctic Seas, she features a sturdy hull, deep keel, strong superstructure, and twin engines. Since her decommissioning, she has been converted into a fast, comfortable, and luxurious cruising vessel with a well-lit deck saloon, en-suite cabins, and a viewing deck, making her ideal for exploring the remote inlets and lochs of Scotland’s Wild Isles, including as far as St Kilda. Her decks provide ample space for wildlife observation, kayaking, and paddleboarding, with an onboard tender to safely reach shore.
Accommodation aboard Speideren is for eight guests in four forward cabins—three double and one twin—all en-suite and fitted with traditional varnished hardwood and soft antique lighting. Two of the double cabins are particularly spacious, while the third double has an adjacent en-suite for solo use. The convivial saloon serves as the hub for dining and socialising. The experienced crew includes a skipper with extensive local knowledge, a chef preparing fresh, locally sourced meals, and a bosun/crew member assisting wherever needed, ensuring a seamless and immersive small-ship cruising experience.
Vessel Type: Small Ship
Length: 16.4 metres
Passenger Capacity: 6
Built: 1973
St Hilda is a 54ft wooden ketch with deep Scottish heritage, originally built in 1973 for sail training and later converted for small-group cruising. Designed by G.L. Watson and constructed by the Millers boatyard, she combines traditional craftsmanship with functional cruising upgrades. While capable under sail, St Hilda usually relies on her quiet 112 HP Kelvin engine to meet busy itineraries along the Hebrides’ coast and islands.
Accommodation is compact but comfortable, with six guest berths arranged as a forward double en-suite, a twin en-suite, and a twin cabin near shared facilities. The well-lit deck saloon is the hub for dining and socialising, maintaining the convivial atmosphere of a traditional sailing vessel. Large, secure outdoor decks provide space for wildlife observation, relaxation, and personal watercraft like kayaks or paddleboards, including the ship’s inflatable sea kayak. The crew consists of a skilled skipper familiar with the Hebrides and a chef providing fresh, locally sourced meals.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• Fruit on board
• Continental lager and house wine with pre-dinner aperitif and evening meal
• Cruises with wildlife guide
• BYO is welcome
Exclusions
• International and domestic flights
• Passport and visa costs where applicable
• Travel Insurance
• Beverages purchased on board
• Transfers
Small Ship Cruise
7 Days from
£200 GBP per day
Highlights
• Discover Oban• Visit Tobermory, Soribay Bay, Lunga, Coll and Tiree
• Explore Fingal’s Cave, Staffa
Our Associates Include
